It is of a similar size to Islay, but is much less densely populated with fewer than 300 inhabitants. The main settlement is at Craighouse[?] on the east coast. Craighouse is home to the island's one distillery, which makes Isle of Jura whisky.

The Jura is dominated by three steep-sided conical mountains on its western side - the Paps of Jura[?] rise to over 2000 feet.